Inklingo

How to Say "apply" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “apply” is “pon” — use 'pon' when giving a command to put something on your body, like sunscreen or makeup, or to turn something on..

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pon

/pon//pon/

Verb (Affirmative Command Form)A2Informal
Use 'pon' when giving a command to put something on your body, like sunscreen or makeup, or to turn something on.
A finger pressing a glowing green power button on a simple, rounded white lamp, illustrating the action of activation.

Examples

¡Pon crema solar antes de salir!

Apply sunscreen before going out!

¡Pon la televisión, por favor! Quiero ver las noticias.

Turn on the TV, please! I want to watch the news.

¡Pon mucha crema solar! El sol está muy fuerte.

Put on a lot of sunscreen! The sun is very strong.

Pon tu alarma para las siete de la mañana.

Set your alarm for seven in the morning.

Using 'Poner' for Technology

In many Spanish-speaking regions, 'poner' (pon) is the most common verb used to tell someone to turn on a TV, radio, or music, instead of the more literal 'encender'.

ponga

/pon-ga//ˈpoŋɡa/

VerbB1Formal
Use 'ponga' when formally commanding someone to exert effort or to play a song.
A finger pressing a switch on a simple desk lamp, causing the lamp to immediately illuminate and cast warm light.

Examples

Ponga atención a las instrucciones.

Apply attention to the instructions.

Ponga su canción favorita ahora.

Play your favorite song now (formal command).

El doctor sugirió que ponga hielo en la rodilla.

The doctor suggested that I/he put ice on the knee (Subjunctive necessity).

Si usted no ponga interés, no lo entenderá.

If you don't apply interest, you won't understand it.

Indirect Commands for Media

In Spanish, you don't 'turn on' music; you 'put' the radio or music on. Use 'ponga' for this formal instruction: 'Ponga la radio' (Turn on the radio).

Literal Translation of 'turn on'

Mistake: “Encienda la música.”

Correction: Ponga la música. (While 'encender' means to turn on, 'poner' is much more natural when referring to playing media.)

Informal vs. Formal Commands

Learners often confuse 'pon' and 'ponga' because they both stem from the verb 'poner'. Remember that 'pon' is the informal command (tú form), used with friends and family, while 'ponga' is the formal command (usted form), used in more respectful or distant situations.

Related Translations

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